Oregon should have a third-party certification system to encourage the production of eco-friendly marijuana, according to a task force report.

The recommendation comes from “Task Force on Cannabis Environmental Best Practices,” which was created by Oregon lawmakers in 2015 and consists of legislators, regulators and industry representatives.

Marijuana production is often water- and energy-intensive, so the task force believes a certification program would create an incentive to use these resources more efficiently.

The system could work similarly to the Low Input Viticulture and Enology program established by Oregon winemakers more than two decades ago to ensure the industry has a minimal environmental impact, the report said.

By providing an unspecified amount of funding, the Oregon Legislature could spur the development of such a system, according to the task force.

Aside from sheer volume, water usage presents another conundrum for marijuana growers, since those who sell into the commercial adult recreational market require water rights for wells.

Medical marijuana producers can draw water from domestic wells — which are exempt from having to obtain water rights — but that segment of the industry “has become more commercialized over the years,” the report said.

One solution may be to allow all marijuana growers to commercially grow the crop with domestic well water, as long as they cultivate a half-acre or less. The exemption could also apply to other commercial crop production, such as vegetables grown for farmers’ markets.

The task force recommends the Legislature should at least examine this proposal, though it doesn’t outright support the idea.

“Task Force members recognize that water law and issues of water scarcity are complex and significant, so we do not make a recommendation as to the outcome on this issue, but it appears to be an issue that could merit further study in the appropriate legislative policy committee,” the report said.

The report also said that it should be easier for marijuana growers to obtain technical assistance regarding water and energy use and that research into efficient practices should be increased.